this may not work for you..but it worked for me. I have only run one good run in my minimalist shoes..it's definitely something you have to ease into..but I run this way in my normal sneakers just fine.

I'm a high impact runner due to some stride issues. I land on my heel quite a bit and I can't really seem to shake it. And I will never perfect my stride because of some "balance" issues. However, I have never ran into so much pain that I could not run.

How long, how far, and how often are you running? Are you sprinting, or are you lightly jogging (barely over a walk)? Zod probably nailed one of the issues. You probably should rest your legs as well. It is possible they are just not used to all the stress. Also, do you run on concrete, pavement, dirt, gravel, grass, etc.?

All of these are pertinent questions and could be related to your issues.

Trail Runner Nation on iTunes podcast is a great entertaining look into ultra running. Okay, so none of us are on that level but they mainly talk about the fundamentals of running and give some good advice. Theres been some good advice on here already but I would try riding a bike 10 miles or so before you start tearing your knees apart too. Maybe the first tailgate can go towards a toys for tots tricycle for you. It could just be a mental issue too, sometimes if your just getting into your run, you need to power through it. If you dont like the whole long distance thing....go to a gradual incline hill and sprint about 20 yards x amount of times. Do some body weight exercises. Eventually you'll get your legs back to shape. REST IS KEY.

this may not work for you..but it worked for me. I have only run one good run in my minimalist shoes..it's definitely something you have to ease into..but I run this way in my normal sneakers just fine.

I've been stretching and I've tried 3 different pairs of shoes. I stretched for around 30 minutes this morning and it didn't really help at all. Do shin splints hurt all the time? Because my leg only really hurts while I'm running or walking immediately after the run.

Do you have any numbness in your foot?

I ask because I had almost exactly the same symptoms you describe but it included numbness in my toes if i tried to "push through it". I was told that it was just shin splints, everything I read suggested it was shin splints, and I would eventually train through it with good technique and good shoes.

Turns out I had a condition called Chronic Exertional Compartment Syndrome and had to have surgery to fix it. Its potentially limb and even life threatening if you try to just train through it. It creates a feedback loop of swelling in your leg that can cut off the blood flow and the nerves to your foot.

If your pain seems to take less exercise to "trigger" or if there is numbness, talk to your doctor. If for no other reason than to rule it out.

ccs, people are like cars. if the alignment is off, other parts get run down faster or compensate more for things being off kilter.
just saying to check your balance and posture etc. if your hammy's are off, then quads have to compensate then hip flexor then you get my point.

stuff thats been mentioned like stretching or yoga as well as just making sure you are lined up well.